Victorian hospital introduces new program to defuse conflict

With aggression toward medical staff on the rise, a leading Melbourne hospital has introduced a new program to defuse conflict.

Instead of introducing more security staff, clinicians are being encouraged to use calming strategies.

At Sunshine Hospital, staff are building a rapport with patients through conversation and fun personal profiles posted on the walls.

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Sunshine Hospital associate nurse unit manager Karen Garrett said she was taking the time to talk with patients.

"It might be a matter of walking into a room and the football's on and going 'oh I'm a Carlton supporter too'," she said.

"Or it might an in-depth conversation for a person who's distressed.

"Rather than interrogating them to get information, we provide them with information about ourselves and then they are more comfortable providing information about themselves."

There is a chill out room for those stuck in hospital to enjoy a change of scenery and iPads are on hand to to distract those feeling restless.

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Western Health safe wards Manager Elisa Ilarda said there had been a "significant problem" in healthcare settings.

She said however, resources such as the iPads had made a difference in settling patients down.

The program has already reduced the prevalence of code grey violent incidents by up to 30 per cent.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the policy, known officially as Safe Wards, will be adopted by more hospitals to help reduce conflict.

"Violence and aggression have no place in our healthcare system," she said.